Ella Simons

The Obituary

Mrs. Ella Kelly Simons was born on March 10, 1926 in Eastover, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Willie Kelly, Sr. and Mrs. Corrie Green Kelly. She departed this life on Friday, January 3, 2020, at her home surrounded by her children.

She was a member of the Antioch A.M.E. Zion Church, Eastover, SC, where she was a dedicated member and served with the Young at Heart and Missionary Ministries, until her health declined. She was recognized twice as the oldest church mother, once in 2004 and again in 2006.

Mrs. Simons attended the public schools of Richland County (SC) and in Augusta, Georgia. She was married to the late Mr. Richard L. Simons on July 19, 1945, in which ten children were born. The union was continuous for 29 years until his death on May 28, 1974. She was preceded in death by a baby girl in 1952 as well as her brothers Harry, Henry, Ben, and Robert Lee Kelly.

Cherished memories are shared by her surviving children, William (Janet) Simons, Mildred (Roosevelt) Patterson, Raymond (Ada) Simons, Erby (Gloria) Simons, Ella (Sam) Williams, Begetia (Lester Eric) Budden, Earlene (Larry) Scott, Andrew Elliot (Charla) Simons, and Linnetta (Antwuan Archie) Simons. She is also survived by two brothers, Mr. Willie Kelly, Jr. (Corrine), and Mr. Charlie Kelly, twenty-five grandchildren, forty-two great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Many thanks are given to her special caregivers, Ms. Minnie Davis, Ms. Willette Faber, granddaughters: Mrs. LaConda Casteal, Ms. Kateshia Scott, Ms. Tanijah Mitchell, and Ms. Angelica Budden. We thank all the willing caregivers who gave their time. A special thank you is also given to the caregivers of Homestead Hospice and the Caregivers On Demand for the special care given throughout her illness.